Season 3.

Cast structure

Sep 24, 1977

All seven repertory players return

Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, Jane Curtin, Garrett Morris, Bill Murray, Laraine Newman and Gilda Radner continue from Season 2.

Cast structure

Sep 24, 1977

Dan Aykroyd joins Jane Curtin on Weekend Update

The season begins with the show’s first two-person Weekend Update anchor team.

Production event

Sep 24, 1977

Saturday Night Live becomes the permanent title

The program permanently adopts the Saturday Night Live name with the season premiere.

Milestone

May 20, 1978

Final season of the original cast nickname

Season 3 is the final season in which the ensemble is billed as the Not Ready for Prime Time Players.

Production event

Oct 8, 1977

The ‘Anyone Can Host’ contest runs through the fall

The audience contest begins in Episode 2, introduces five finalists in Episode 6 and culminates with Miskel Spillman hosting Episode 8.

Milestone

Nov 19, 1977

Buck Henry becomes SNL’s first five-time host

Henry reaches five hosting appearances with the November 19 episode.

Milestone

Feb 18, 1978

Chevy Chase becomes the first cast alumnus to host

The former original cast member returns as host on February 18.

Production event

Jan 21, 1978

Brian Doyle-Murray and Don Novello join the writing staff

Both writers join midway through the season on January 21.

Production event

Sep 24, 1977

Writers receive recurring special-guest billing

Franken and Davis, Mr. Mike and Father Guido Sarducci receive special-guest credit for performing their material.

Production event

May 20, 1978

Michael O’Donoghue and Marilyn Suzanne Miller leave the writing staff

Both original writers depart after Season 3, though each later returns to the program.